Daily TikTok users favor some brands very differently than adults as a whole. MORNING CONSULT: https://fluence-media.co/42Og66L
Cold week ahead. FORECAST: https://fluence-media.co/40YvbAu
What’s it like to race cars on a frozen lake? WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/40UFky5
Minnesota’s population growth stalled during COVID but is back to its recent pace. STRIB: https://fluence-media.co/4aSOBuR
Today’s WCCO Radio morning take at 6:20 with Vineeta Sawkar. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3CTfzpB
A conversation with Minneapolis candidate for Mayor DeWayne Davis on Sunday Take. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4179dfz
Blois
tips/feedback bloisolson@gmail.com
SB AD: From Adam Uren via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “UNRL, a rising star of the sports apparel industry, tapped some familiar faces from its native Minnesota for this year's Super Bowl ad. The St. Paul company's latest ad once again starred Christopher McDonald, aka Shooter McGavin from ‘Happy Gilmore,’ making his way through a bar containing two Hall of Famers: Minnesota Twins legend Joe Mauer and Vikings hero John Randle.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4hQEn0e
MORE: Via The Minneapolis Egotist, VERBATIM: “Perdue is taking this year’s Big Game viewing experience in an unexpected (and unpredictable) direction by combining the irresistible flavor of Perdue Air Fryer Ready Crispy Wings with five-time Emmy Award-winner and two-time Grammy nominee, Wayne Brady. Inspired by key game moments, commercials, commentary and requests from viewers and, of course, the mouthwatering goodness of Perdue Air Fryer Ready Crispy Wings, Brady will ‘wing it’ to create songs, jokes, sketches and…who knows what else!” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4huDV8q
THIS WEEK: From Dana Ferguson via MPR, VERBATIM: “A kickstart is in store this week as the Minnesota House gets into a groove after spending the first month of the legislative session in a standstill. Starting Monday, committees are charging ahead and will review a slate of bills, ranging from anti-fraud measures to repeal pushes on laws passed in recent years. Democrats returned last week after a weeks-long boycott over a power struggle with Republicans.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/419E0IM
MORE: From Shannon Slatton via CCX Media, VERBATIM: “Rep. Samantha Vang (DFL-Brooklyn Center) is stepping into her new role as co-chair of the Legacy Finance Committee, overseeing and parsing through funding requests for arts, culture, parks, and museums across Minnesota. Vang recently toured the Como Zoo—where she even fed a giraffe—as well as North Memorial Health Hospital to talk about infrastructure needs.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4gAe5OM
REFUGEES: From Matthew Stolle via Forum News Service, VERBATIM: “Fourteen refugees were on the verge of being resettled in southern Minnesota and being reunited with family members with the help of Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota when their trips were canceled after President Donald Trump signed an executive order suspending the program, a spokesman for the Catholic organization said. All 14 had purchased plane tickets and were scheduled to arrive in the region this month when Trump authorized the suspension. Two of the 14 refugees were living in Thailand but were native to Myanmar. One of the two was an elderly grandmother who was being reunited with her family in Austin.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QbnMZn
CHURCHES: From Maya Rao via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Church leaders are scrambling to respond as the Trump administration makes sweeping changes in immigration policy, ranging from freezing federal funds for refugee resettlement to revoking a policy prohibiting the arrest of undocumented immigrants in Christian houses of worship. ‘This is a moment for us to recommit to the stranger among us with the love God extends to every human being,’ Bishop Craig Loya of the Episcopal Church in Minnesota wrote Thursday in an email to the archdiocese. Loya said he is establishing a migrant support fund and seeding it with a gift of $10,000. He asked the faith community to consider designating the March 2 church offering to help build the fund.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hOllb2
POT: Via Office of Cannabis Management, VERBATIM: “Today, the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management announced a new program to help fund projects addressing a range of community needs, including economic development, public health, violence prevention, youth development and civil legal aid. CanRenew Community Restoration Grants will be awarded to eligible organizations for investments in communities where long-term residents are eligible to be social equity applicants. These communities are recognized for facing significant challenges under previous cannabis prohibition policies, which negatively impacted their economic and social landscapes.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3WTnwSL
WILD ABOUT READING: More than 500 Minnesota classrooms and 15,000 students are participating in the “Wild About Reading” program, a partnership with Flint Hills Resources which encourages students to read more using Minnesota Wild-branded posters, reading logs, and bookmarks. Teachers set weekly reading goals and give certificates to students who complete the four-week program. Fun program incentives include classroom visits from the Wild’s mascot, Nordy – and the team dog, Rookie; a pair of tickets to a Wild home game, player signed pucks and photos; and a pizza party for a classroom. LEARN MORE: Wild About Reading SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources
ST PAUL: From Renée Cooper via KSTP-TV, VERBATIM: “The weekend snowfall put a St. Paul pilot program to the test for the first time. The ‘Snow Operations Pilot’ began a week ago Sunday, requiring residents in the Payne-Phalen and Highland Park neighborhoods to move their cars from one side of the street to the other each week until April 6, regardless of the weather. St. Paul Public Works Director Sean Kershaw said it’s all in an effort to plow faster and, therefore, keep road conditions safer.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4hPUlYJ
EGGS: From Adam Uren via Bring Me The News, VERBATIM: “Egg prices are skyrocketing across the United States, with the latest figures showing wholesale costs have risen to almost $7.50 per dozen in the Midwest alone. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Feb. 7 show that in the Midwest region, wholesale prices for large, white shell eggs delivered to warehouses stood at an average of $7.47. That represents a spike of more than 6% since Jan. 31.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Q8Kstr
MORE: From Charles Kelley via KTTC-TV, VERBATIM: “One mother in Fountain who runs her own cottage bakery held off as long as she could raising prices on her baked goods. Annika Quanrud, the owner of Baked by Annika, has operated her cottage bakery stand outside her home and it runs on the honor system . . . She said Costco prices have been the most consistent for eggs, but just last week when she went, they were all out. Quanrud buys farm fresh eggs for her family, but said it’s inconsistent when it comes to baking for her business.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4gCNQHH
SOLAR: From Ava Kian via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “The Lodge of Whispering Pines stands among the trees near an entrance to the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness, at the end of a hilly and winding road, 20 miles north of Ely. It has what most other resorts in northern Minnesota offer: a great view of the outdoors, cute cabins, campsites and the glimpse of a quieter life. But it’s the sun shining brightly on these cold winter days that sets the lodge apart. In fact, it wouldn’t be open without it.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gwzoRz
FRESH15: The latest season of Fresh15 includes interviews with new Minnesota House members. So far, five new members have shared their goals, background and fun facts before they take office in a historic session this January.
Rep.-Elect Kari Rehauer
Rep.-Elect Wayne Johnson
Rep. Elect Julie Greene
Rep. Elect Keith Allen
Rep. Elect Peter Johnson
Follow on your favorite podcast platform, or at www.TheDailyAgenda.com/Podcasts. (SPONSORED: Minnesota Telecom Alliance)
SEWER: From Kyle Stokes via Axios, VERBATIM: “Minneapolis officials are pondering new ways to help homeowners deal with broken sewer lines. Why it matters: Property owners are responsible for the full length of the sewer lines that connect their house to the street. In Minneapolis, the average cost to repair a leak or break has soared over $10,000 in recent years. Driving the news: City Council Member Emily Koski formally asked staff to report back on new sewer line repair programs that could use city assistance.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/416k4Xc
HIGHER ED: From Sydney Dick via Lakeland PBS, VERBATIM: “Two years ago, both Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College faced budget deficits that were greater than 20% of their revenues, and which were the largest deficits within the Minnesota State system. BSU has been working to balance these deficits and increase enrollment, and on Friday the school held a campus forum discussing one proposal to do so. The Governor’s proposed budget for the next biennium has been released, which is a no-growth proposal.” QUOTE: “And what that means for us is a net loss over the next two years for all of Minnesota State of about $70 million,” explained BSU and NTC President John Hoffman. “If we receive funding reductions from the state, then we will have to look to tuition increase possibilities in order to maintain the quality of education.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QdG3VS
SUN COUNTRY: From Sun Country via Globe Newswire, VERBATIM: “Sun Country Airlines Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: SNCY) today announced the pricing of the previously announced secondary public offering of 6,346,105 shares of its common stock by an affiliate of certain investment funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management, Inc., which represent all the remaining shares owned by the Selling Stockholder.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40QMZ0e
MORE: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s Mark Reilly notes Apollo bought Sun Country in 2017 and remained its largest shareholder up until now. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jK7xQy
“MY WHOLE LIFE CHANGED:” EMPOWERMENT TRAINING OPENS PATHWAY INTO THE TRADES - Since 2019, a partnership between Five Skies Empowerment Training and Enbridge has broadened as unions, contractors and other groups look to connect Native American job seekers to meaningful careers. “They’re gonna open the door for you,” says Joel, a program graduate. “Before the 5 Skies program I wasn’t aware there were so many opportunities,” explains Ashley. “My whole life changed,” says Melissa. Click here to submit an application, and find out more on upcoming training. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3XoPg0D (SPONSORED: Enbridge)
RETAIL: From Tina Nguyen via Twin Cities Business, VERBATIM: “Losing Macy’s is a blow to two second-tier Twin Cities shopping malls that have been struggling to redefine their relevance, but it may not be the gut punch it would have been in the department store’s prime. Maplewood Mall and Burnsville Center are in the process of reimagining the anchor space the retailer will soon vacate at both shopping centers—they were among the 66 nationwide store closings Macy’s announced in January. Closing sales are already underway. Based on conversations this week with owners of both properties, Maplewood Mall is closer to signing a tenant for the Macy’s space.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3QcIBnu
SOCIAL LIGHTS: Via The Minneapolis Egotist, VERBATIM: “The Social Lights, a leading social-first marketing agency, today announced the addition of a major brand to its client roster alongside a key executive appointment, marking a significant expansion of the agency’s capabilities and market presence. The agency has secured a partnership with Red Wing Shoe Co., adding to its impressive portfolio that already includes General Mills, Cargill, Massage Envy and Polaris.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ExWo5p
NE MPLS: The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s Caitlin Anderson reports a developer has bought a building in northeast Minneapolis and is looking for tenants to turn it into an immersive entertainment venue. READ: https://fluence-media.co/40UmlDK
TOMORROW: From St. Paul-based Ecolab via Business Wire, VERBATIM: “Ecolab will host a live webcast to discuss its 2024 fourth quarter results. A news release containing fourth quarter results is expected to be issued before market open on February 11, 2025.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3DIMvBg
TOMORROW: From New Prague-based Electromed via Business Wire, VERBATIM: “Electromed, Inc. (NYSE American: ELMD), a leader in innovative airway clearance technologies, today announced that it will release its financial results for the fiscal 2025 second quarter ended December 31, 2024, on February 11, 2025 after the close of the stock market. Company management will host a conference call the same day at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss the results.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jBPv2M
WEDNESDAY: From Minneapolis-based Regis via Business Wire, VERBATIM: “Regis Corporation (NasdaqGM:RGS), a leader in the haircare industry, will issue financial results for the second fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2024, before the market opens on February 12, 2025. Following the release, the Company will host a presentation via webcast for investors beginning at 7:30 a.m. Central time to discuss its corporate developments and financial performance.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40vlpp4
NEXT MONTH: Via Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, VERBATIM: “On Saturday, March 1st, 2025, the inaugural Minnesota Theater Oscar Awards will recognize the exceptional talent thriving right here in our state. From seasoned actors to rising stars, this groundbreaking event promises to shine a spotlight on the individuals who have contributed so much to Minnesota’s growing theater scene.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gFsR6V
From Friday’s Fluence newsletters:
E15: From Mark Dorenkamp via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “Supporters are urging Congressional leaders to get year-round nationwide E15 across the finish line. Iowa Renewable Fuels Association executive director Monte Shaw says attendees of their annual summit this week signed a letter sent to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune calling for an immediate fix for year-round E15.” SHAW: “Get it done. No more Iowa Nice, no more patience. We’ve been waiting 10 years. I don’t know if it was because in December we came so close you could almost taste it, only to have it snatched away for really dumb reasons at the end. But the patience is over.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3WUfA3E
LAMBERTON: From MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen via X, VERBATIM: “Starting the day in Lamberton visiting Highwater Ethanol. Appreciated hearing updates on markets, trade co-products & more.” PHOTO: https://fluence-media.co/3Evb5WU
ST CLOUD: From A.J. Kaufman via St. Cloud Times, VERBATIM: “The City of St. Cloud will be front and center this fall during the second season of the series, ‘My Town.’ Cory Hepola, an erstwhile Twin Cities television and radio anchor, is the program's director and host. The show positively portrays rural America and aims to accurately explain rural living, since so many people today rely on ‘long-standing negative stereotypes,’ Hepola said.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aSk4gF
HOUSING: From Hayley Raatsi via Northern News Now, VERBATIM: “A new Duluth housing complex is ready to welcome seniors and veterans who are homeless. Duluth leaders held a ribbon cutting for the Skyridge Flats development on Wednesday.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/3WMNRBK
VOLUNTEER: From Derek James via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “One Twin Cities volunteer has just logged her 25,000th hour of service for one organization, the equivalent of 12-plus years of 40-hour weeks. Inside Allina Health's Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, Donna Brandell is always moving at the Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute and Courage Kenny Kids. She is flourishing over a decade after a brain tumor diagnosis threatened her life. Following her surgery and therapy at Courage Kenny, Brandell dedicated her time to giving back to people like her after wrapping up her 30-year career as a school teacher.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/40O24zx
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AUCTION: From K-BID and UMN ReUse via PRNewswire, VERBATIM: “Sports fans, history buffs, and Minnesota alumni—this is your chance to claim a one-of-a-kind collectible! Authentic athlete-used lockers from the University of Minnesota are hitting the auction block, offering a rare opportunity to own a piece of Gopher legacy. These lockers, once used by student-athletes at the U of M, have been witness to years of dedication, triumph, and school spirit.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Qg8WAI
BLAZE: Via Blaze, VERBATIM: “Blaze has been recognized as one of America’s Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions 2025 by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4gHSq7K
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
AWARD: Via Pioneer Press, VERBATIM: “Shirley Joann Wikner, CEO of Eden Prairie-based Aviation Charter and Executive Aviation, has been named Minnesota’s Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Minnesota District Office, according to a news release.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4aVxjNC
BDAYS: Hubbard’s Joe Johnston, Bemidji leader Rita Albrecht, media pro Traci Auger, attorney Greg Abbott
Fluence Media curates, produces and distributes specialized media products to thought leadership audiences across the Midwest and about the region. Our publications cover, politics, public policy, health care, agriculture, business, real estate, sports and more. Visit www.fluence-media.com to learn more.
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